Two years ago, Oregon child care providers won an executive order granting them collective bargaining rights.

Last week, they got what they really wanted: Gov. Ted Kulongoski’s signature on Senate Bill 788, which makes their rights state law.

The bill was passed by the Senate, 19-8, and the House, 52-7.

“This is wonderful,” says Marian McDonald, president of Local 132 AFSCME/Child Care Providers Together. “It’s unbelievable how far we’ve come so quickly. We never dreamed we’d be covered under Oregon law. But with this bill, we will no longer fear that a future governor would undo all the gains we have made. We’re thrilled to see this measure passed and finally signed. ”

Local 132 represents over 4,400 registered and certified family child care providers statewide. “With SB 788 becoming law, Oregon is on the cutting edge,” says Council 75 Executive Director Ken Allen. “As the third state to pass such a statute, AFSCME continues to be a national leader in representing child care providers.”

Two other states – Illinois and Washington – already have similar bargaining laws.

AFSCME is the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, AFL-CIO. Our 1.6 million members provide the vital services that make America happen. AFSCME advocates for fairness in the workplace, excellence in public services and prosperity and opportunity for all working families.